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TRANSFORMING GOVERNMENT:IS THE FUTURE OF AI SUSTAINABLE? A CASE STUDY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness on the need for a more comprehensive approach
on the interdependence between artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental sustainability. It provides an
overview of existing sustainable AI policy initiatives at the national and regional level. More precisely, it
discusses whether existing European Union (EU) environmental policies are suitable for the AI era or whether
new regulations are needed in this field. Finally, this paper assesses cross-fertilisation opportunities between
the EU and non-EU countries.
Design/methodology/approach – This study is based on a qualitative analysis of sustainable
applications of AI and the sustainability of AI. Emphasis is laid on the latter, and a “sustainable by design”
approach is proposed, which in essence is a prerequisite for transparent, responsible and human-centred AI
systems. The analysis primarily focuses on environmental sustainability.
Findings – The majority of studies focus on how to use AI to protect the environment with very little
attention paid to sustainable design of AI. On the other hand, the EU’s comprehensive approach towards
sustainable AI is closest to promoting “sustainable by design” AI. Several ways have been identified in which
the EU’s actions can be translated beyond its borders.
Research limitations/implications – One of the largest limitations of this study is its moderate scope.
This paper is confined to the EU and as such provides a limited assessment of global policies and measures on
the interplay between sustainability and AI. Consequently, the paper did not provide an in-depth analysis of
environmental policies worldwide that could help provide a better picture of possible cooperation areas or
common grounds. Another limitation of this study is that it primarily focuses on environmental aspects and as
such accords little attention to the economic and social pillars of sustainability.
Social implications – With less than 10 years to go before reaching the sustainable development goal
deadline, this study can help stakeholders better understand what is being done worldwide in terms of
sustainable AI. Moreover, given that the technology is still in its early phase, this study can inspire a
“sustainable by design” approach to the development of AI technologies.
Originality/value – All national AI strategies published by 1 June 2021 were analysed to identify whether
and to what extent they prioritise the interplay between environment and AI. Furthermore, the authors also
looked at the EU policy and how it aims to address AI from a sustainable perspective.
Takayuki Matsuo, Shun Iwamitsu - Personal Name
NONE
Text
ENGLISH
EMERALD INSIGHT
2022
ENGLAND
JURNAL ILMU PEMERINTAHAN
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APA Citation
Takayuki Matsuo, Shun Iwamitsu. (2022).TRANSFORMING GOVERNMENT:IS THE FUTURE OF AI SUSTAINABLE? A CASE STUDY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.(Electronic Thesis or Dissertation). Retrieved from https://localhost/etd